Egypt's Sinai bedouins are smuggling migrants from Sudan and Eritrea into Israel, Global Post reports. A stable economy and sound rule of law have shaped Israel into something of a promised land for sub-Saharan African asylum-seekers, often fleeing conflicts and persecution. As a result, some 700-1000 migrants pour across Israel's porous border with Egypt each month. Israel is approaching their illegal migrant problem much like the US has, readying for the construction of a $270 million border-control fence. Most migrants are intercepted and sent to detention centers to await deportation. Some do not make it to Israel at all - at least 50 migrants have been killed by Egyptian security forces patrolling the Sinai.
Excerpt:
High wages and relative security have turned Israel into something
of a promised land for those fleeing conflicts in sub-Saharan Africa.
At one time, many refugees went no further than Egypt, but tough
economic conditions and the deteriorating security there, have pushed
thousands to make a run for the border. Israeli officials have said
that as many as 700 to 1,000 migrants sneak across their porous Sinai
frontier each month.
In an effort to stop this flow, and stem other smuggling, last week
Israel approved construction of a $270 million-fence outfitted with
surveillance equipment for its southern border.
“This is a strategic decision to ensure the Jewish and democratic
character of the State of Israel,” said Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu in a statement when he announced approval of the fence
earlier this month. “Israel will remain open to war refugees but we
cannot allow thousands of illegal workers to infiltrate into Israel via
the southern border and flood our country."
Click here to read the full article on Global Post.
Photo: Michaelramallah - Flickr
Posted
at
8 Feb 2010 1:58 PM
by
